Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what progress has she made in accelerating the replacement of animals in science to phase out their use.

The Government has established governance arrangements for the Replacing Animals in Science Strategy, with the first Ministerial Board now convened to oversee delivery. We have announced £75 million to accelerate the development and adoption of alternative methods across the UK and are working with regulators and public bodies to determine how this funding will be allocated. A delivery update alongside KPIs will be published later in 2026. We also intend to publish areas of research interest for alternative methods later this year.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101926 on MBR Acres: Animal Welfare, what the outcome was of the announced audit in November 2025.

The announced audit carried out at MBR Acres in November 2025 identified no critical or major findings, and no low‑level concerns. Three minor findings were identified and, where required, actions to address these areas were issued to the establishment. The minor findings involved a small amount of rust on a surface, small areas of floor damage in a walkway, and a small portion of loose drain cover which was dealt with immediately.ASRU conducts both announced and unannounced audits in line with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), using a risk‑informed approach.Audit frequency is determined by a range of factors including consideration of an establishment’s compliance history, the nature and scale of licensed activities, the species and numbers of animals used, and the licence holder’s record.As a minimum, ASRU audits a third of all establishments each year and audits all establishments carrying out regulated procedures on non‑human primates annually, as required by ASPA. ASPA does not mandate whether these audits are announced or unannounced and does not mandate a specific frequency for unannounced audits.ASRU has planned to increase the number of unannounced audits as part of its work to strength regulatory oversight. ASRU has also increased its number of inspectors, enabling a greater volume of risk-based audits across the system.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101926 on MBR Acres: Animal Welfare, what factors determine the frequency of unannounced audits.

The announced audit carried out at MBR Acres in November 2025 identified no critical or major findings, and no low‑level concerns. Three minor findings were identified and, where required, actions to address these areas were issued to the establishment. The minor findings involved a small amount of rust on a surface, small areas of floor damage in a walkway, and a small portion of loose drain cover which was dealt with immediately.ASRU conducts both announced and unannounced audits in line with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), using a risk‑informed approach.Audit frequency is determined by a range of factors including consideration of an establishment’s compliance history, the nature and scale of licensed activities, the species and numbers of animals used, and the licence holder’s record.As a minimum, ASRU audits a third of all establishments each year and audits all establishments carrying out regulated procedures on non‑human primates annually, as required by ASPA. ASPA does not mandate whether these audits are announced or unannounced and does not mandate a specific frequency for unannounced audits.ASRU has planned to increase the number of unannounced audits as part of its work to strength regulatory oversight. ASRU has also increased its number of inspectors, enabling a greater volume of risk-based audits across the system.

What his planned timetable is for determining the spending that will count towards the 1.5% of GDP to be spent on resilience and security.

NATO has already agreed the definition of 1.5% as spend “to inter alia protect critical infrastructure, defend networks, ensure civil preparedness and resilience, innovate, and strengthen the defence industrial base”. Officials are currently working through proposals and plans for meeting our obligations will be set out in due course.

How many times the National Security Council Sub-Committee (Nuclear) has met since July 2024.

It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its committees, including how often they have met, is not normally shared publicly.

How many times the National Security Council Sub-Committee (Resilience) has met since July 2024.

It is a long-established precedent that information about Cabinet and its Committees, including the discussions that have taken place, how often they have met and attendance, is not normally shared publicly.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2026 to Question 114022 on Extradition, what the (a) country and (b) date was for each of the extradition requests received from Category 2 Type B countries.

The numbers of requests from each Category 2 Type B country received between 5th July 2024 and 23 February 2026 (the date of question 114022), where they number more than 5 requests are listed below. The total requests received in the timeframe, which was given in response to question 114022, was 64:Brazil – 12Iraq – 7Nigeria – 7Kosovo – 6In accordance with our policies, and after careful consideration, we are not releasing the information on extradition requests received between 5th July 2024 and 23 February 2026, from Category 2 Type B countries where five or fewer requests have been made. Likewise, we are unable to break down the figures above any further due to the same considerations. The disclosure of such data may lead to the identification of an individual request which might prejudice ongoing law enforcement proceedings.Please note that this information is taken from local management information and has not been quality assured to the level of published National Statistics. As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change.

How many times the National Security Advisor has been requested to appear in front of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy since his appointment.

The National Security Adviser appeared in front of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy in a private session in November 2025 and has offered to do so again. As the Government has said, the longstanding practice is that Special Advisers currently in post do not give public evidence to Select Committees and this is done instead by Ministers or Officials.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the classification of water at Grafham Water on the water supply in Huntingdon constituency.

Grafham Water is 85% full with no concerns for water supplies in Huntingdon, but refill was delayed by high nitrate levels.The Environment Agency continues to work with the water industry through the Asset Management Plan process and partnership projects so that appropriate catchment management and water treatment are in place to ensure that water supplies are safe and secure.

For what reason did National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 23 March 2026.

The National Security Adviser meets with a range of individuals and organisations as part of his role providing advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on national security matters. Such meetings are often sensitive in nature, and the Government does not routinely comment on them or their content.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what progress has she made in establishing a new preclinical translational research hub to bring together data, cell engineering, genomic technology, and expertise to create a pipeline of novel translational medicine models.

The delivery of the commitment to Create a preclinical translational models hub is led by the Medical Research Council (MRC).The Preclinical translational models hub funding call to identify a host for the hub was launched on 2 March 2026 with decisions on this expected in July. The Hub is expected to commence work in Autumn 2026.The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy, later in 2026.

When the Armed Forces Pay Review for 2026-27 will be announced.

The Government has received the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body Pay Round 26 report and is carefully considering its recommendations before publishing both the report and our response to it in due course.

With reference to the Government's press notice entitled Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia, published on 25 March 2026, how many of the Russian shadow fleet vessels under UK sanctions have transited through the English Channel since the US operation to seize tanker Bella 1.

Deterring and disrupting the Russian shadow fleet, including those subject to sanctions, is a priority for the UK. The UK Government constantly monitors UK waters to ensure the safety of mariners, protect the marine environment and uphold the UK’s national security, which includes monitoring sanctioned tankers.

With reference to page 24 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy - Public Summary, by when he plans to (a) commence and (b) conclude the underpinning review.

Due to the size and complexity of Defence’s intelligence partnerships, this work is already underway and is being carried out in stages rather than as a one‑off, time‑limited review. The aim is to ensure that intelligence sharing supports Defence’s international priorities, underpins a NATO First approach, and strengthens the UK’s influence with allies and partners. As outlined in the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, this work will provide recommendations by the end of 2026.

What progress he has made in integrating the Aster 30 missile into the Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 123067, tabled on 23 March 2026:https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-03-23/123067

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 36208 on USA: Military Alliances, what discussions he has held with his US counterparts on the ongoing commitment of the United States to the European Reassurance Initiative.

The Defence Secretary speaks with his US counterpart regularly on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations. However, they have not recently discussed the US’ European Reassurance Initiative.

What the scope is of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Data Gathering programme.

The Future Maritime Data Gathering (FMDG) programme is exploring a range of technologies, including uncrewed and autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and improved data‑processing tools.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Russian use of the Chinese Shennong Shield-3000 mobile high-energy laser directed energy weapon on Taskforce Kindred’s efforts to support Ukrainian armed forces via drone capability.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge and insights to ensure that our support meets Ukraine's priority requirements and that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responding effectively to the evolving threat, including from drones and energy weapons.Due to operational security, we do not comment on specific capabilities.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and Belgium sign multi-million pound Mission Data partnership, published on 31 March 2026, what is the total value of Belgian investment over five years.

The maximum financial contribution for Belgium is €150 million. This is inclusive of VAT and other taxes, customs duties and similar charges, and accounts for inflation.

Which preparedness plans have been scrutinised by the UK Resilience Academy since April 2025.

The UK Government is committed to enhancing the provision of independent advice and external challenge to UK preparedness plans. The Government has therefore committed to convene a number of independent panels to scrutinise UK whole-system risks. This was announced in the Resilience Action Plan and forms the Government’s response to the COVID-19 Module 1, Recommendation 10. The Cabinet Office has now developed an independent assurance programme, covering the most significant risks in the classified National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA). This draws on independent experts from across sectors outside government to ensure impartial, credible assurance, and offer recommendations on improvements that can be made. In December 2025, the Cabinet Office, working with the UK Resilience Academy, delivered a pilot to help us further refine and strengthen our independent assurance processes ahead of launching the full programme. Lessons learnt from this will inform planning for future whole-system risks, as set out in the internal NSRA.